Gagik Galfayan, a middle school history teacher at Woodrow Wilson Middle School in the Glendale Unified School District, was selected as a 2027 California Teacher Of the Year.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond named five exceptional educators as the 2027 California Teachers of the Year, recognizing their outstanding commitment to students, schools and communities across the state. The five educators will serve as ambassadors for the teaching profession and represent California educators throughout 2027.

“California’s Teachers of the Year represent the very best of our profession. They see the potential in every student and work each day to ensure all students have the opportunity to succeed,” Superintendent Thurmond said. “These exceptional educators are an inspiration and example of the exceptional work going on in California schools. I am proud to recognize them and grateful for the difference they are making for our students.”

Presented by the California Dept. of Education and supported by the California Teachers of the Year Foundation, the California Teachers of the Year Program has honored outstanding educators since 1972 and helps elevate the teaching profession and inspire the next generation of California teachers.